QUICK CHICKEN PHO
Serves: 2 Takes: about 40 minutes
■ 3/4 inch (2 cm) section ginger
■ 2 medium-large green onions
■ 1 very small (15 g) bunch cilantro sprigs
■ 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) coriander seeds
■ 1 whole clove
■ 3 1/2 to 4 cups (840 mL to 1 L) low-sodium chicken broth (see note)
■ 2 cups (480 mL) water
■ 1 6-10 oz (180 to 225 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh
■ About 1/2 tsp (2 mL) fine sea salt
■ 5 oz (150 g) dried narrow flat rice noodles
■ 2 to 3 tsp (10 to 15 mL) fish sauce
■ About 1/2 tsp (2 mL) organic sugar, or 1 tsp (5 mL) maple syrup (optional)
■ Pepper (optional)
Optional extras:
■ Garnish plate with bean sprouts, mint sprigs, Thai basil, cilantro leaves, rice paddy herb, lime wedges, and/or sliced Thai, serrano or jalapeno chilies
■ 1/3 cup (90 mL) ginger dipping sauce (recipe follows)
1. Peel then slice the ginger into 4 or 5 coins. Smack with the flat side of a knife or meat mallet; set aside. Thinly slice the green parts of the green onion to yield 2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 mL); set aside for garnish. Cut the leftover sections into pinky-finger lengths, bruise, then add to the ginger.
2. Coarsely chop the leafy tops of the cilantro to yield 2 tbsp
(30 mL); set aside for garnish. Set the remaining cilantro sprigs aside.
3. In a (12- to 16-cup) 3- to 4-litre pot, toast the coriander seeds and clove over medium heat until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the ginger and green onion sections. Stir for about 30 seconds, until aromatic. Slide the pot off heat, wait 15 seconds or so to briefly cool, then pour in the broth.
4. Return the pot to the burner, then add the water, cilantro sprigs, chicken and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to gently simmer for 30 minutes.
5. While the broth simmers, soak the rice noodles in hot water until pliable and opaque. Drain, rinse and set aside.
6. After 5 to 10 minutes of simmering, the chicken should be firm and cooked through (press on it and it should slightly yield).
7. Transfer the chicken to a bowl, flush with cold water to arrest the cooking, then drain. Let cool, then cut or shred into bite-size pieces. Cover loosely to prevent drying.
8. When the broth is done, pour it through a fine-mesh strainer positioned over an 8-cup/2-litre pot; line the strainer with muslin for superclear broth. Discard the solids. You should have about 4 cups (1 L).
9. Season with fish sauce and sugar (or maple syrup), if needed, to create a strong savoury-sweet note.
10. Bring the strained broth to a boil over high heat. Put the noodles in a noodle strainer or mesh sieve and dunk in the hot broth to heat and soften, 5 to 60 seconds. Lift the noodles from the pot and divide between the 2 bowls.
11. Lower the heat to keep the broth hot while you arrange the chicken on top of the noodles and garnish with the chopped green onion, cilantro and a sprinkling of pepper.
12. Taste and adjust the broth’s saltiness one last time. Return the broth to a boil and ladle into the bowls. Enjoy with any extras.
Note: Choose a broth that tastes like chicken, such as Swanson brand, which is less fussed up and easy to manipulate. You need two 14.5-oz/411 g cans or one 32-oz/907 mL carton.